LPAC Welcomes Shay Franco-Clausen to Board of Directors
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
October 8, 2024
CONTACT:
Joanna Hoffman
press@teamlpac.com
Washington, D.C. –Today, LPAC, the nation’s only organization dedicated to advancing the political representation of LGBTQ+ women and nonbinary candidates, announced that Shay Franco-Clausen (she/her), Northern California Organizing Director of the Harris/Walz Campaign, has joined its Board of Directors.
"LPAC is pleased to welcome Shay Franco-Clausen to our Board of Directors,” said Shari Weiner, Chair of the Board at LPAC. “Shay brings a wealth of expertise on civic engagement and digital organizing, and a deep passion for diversity and representation in politics. I’m excited for what we can build together.”
“Being a Black, Afro-Latina Lesbian, I know the barriers I faced running for office,” said Shay Franco-Clausen. “Having deep knowledge about campaigns and the political realm, I’m excited to bring my experience and passion for electing LGBTQ women and nonbinary people to LPAC and support the phenomenal leadership and board.”
About Shay Franco-Clausen
Shay Franco-Clausen, She/Her, is an award winning public speaker, political inspirational, elected and visionary community leader, distinguished for her unwavering commitment to catalyze, educate, and fortify resilient communities within the Bay Area. Her exceptional career has been marked by a relentless pursuit of groundbreaking legislation and substantial funding initiatives, all aimed at uplifting the marginalized communities she herself emerged from.
A unapologetic leader in her field, Shay graduated from Mills College in Oakland, where she earned her Bachelor's Degree in Public Policy and Law. Her dedication to excellence recently led her to the hallowed halls of the Harvard Kennedy School, where she successfully completed the prestigious Executive Leadership in State and Local Government program, solidifying her status as a forward-thinking leader with a global perspective.
Shay's indomitable spirit has shaped the political landscape of California, with her fingerprints on over seventeen pieces of transformative legislation. Notable among these accomplishments is her pivotal role in extending the statute of limitations for felony domestic violence to 7 years, advocating for the rights of LGBTQ foster youth, preserving endangered open spaces, and championing the restoration of voting rights for individuals on parole. Her legislative acumen has not only enriched the lives of countless Californians but also set a precedent for progressive and inclusive governance. In her day job, she is the Northern California Organizing Director for the Harris/Walz Campaign, is the Political Director for the largest Civil and LGBTQ Rights organization, Equality California and serves on the Hayward Planning Commission, Democratic National Committee Delegate, Central Committee Delegate, Chair of the California Democratic Party LGBTQ Caucus, and former elected official in Santa Clara County.
A true daughter of the Bay Area, Shay Franco-Clausen, alongside her wife Yolanda, a Special Victims Detective, has raised five remarkable children. Her personal journey is a testament to her unshakable determination and the profound impact of her advocacy. She encapsulates her mission with the powerful mantra, "I am striving to be the woman I wished I would have met at 14," a poignant reminder of her unwavering dedication to shaping a brighter, more equitable future for all.
Shay Franco-Clausen's resolute pursuit of progress and social justice has not only left an indelible mark on the Bay Area but has also earned her the respect and admiration of colleagues, constituents, and political aficionados alike. She stands as an emblematic figure in the realm of political opportunities, a beacon of hope, and a relentless advocate for change.